Saturday, December 18, 2010

Thought-provoking....

"Mr. Carter, do you expect the world to 'pad their corners' for you, because you are blind?"

(excerpt from our current family read-aloud, "Follow My Leader.")

This quote was especially thought-provoking for me last night. I really mulled it over in my mind. As we homeschool, there are so many philosophies and paradigms and ways of thinking.

Each family is so unique, and must submit to the Holy Spirit and discern wisely what is best for their children. In our approach, we wanted to start with God, and His Story among the nations... including the ugliness of idols, sin, wickedness, and war and gore, and tell His story of redemption. Now, this is not to say that we never censor anything!! (And of course, each individual child is different in what they can handle, and age is a factor here too). In fact, we find ourselves on the very conservative end of movies that we allow, music, etc. But what I loved about this quote is that it reminded me to examine myself, and to ask myself whether I am preparing my children for "sharp corners" in this world, by talking with them, answering questions, making them aware of certain things, or am I am padding the corners, teaching them to expect the world to change for them? Because this world is full of ugliness. But it is also full of beauty. And this world is not going to change for them. But, one day, this whole world will once again bow in submission to it's Lord, and it will all be changed and made glorious. I don't want to "pad the corners", but I do want to make them aware that there are some sharp ones out there.

About Me

It's so interesting what God uses to teach us...Most recently for me, He used a Veggie Tale Video. The Easter Carol is all about what it would be like without the HOPE of Easter. You'll have to watch it. But, it's led me on a journey of thinking about how important HOPE is, and how awful it is to live without it. And so, I am one of the most blessed, because I have the hope of Christ, the hope of life, and the hope of heaven. Sometimes, when life is overwhelming and lonely, I remind myself that there is a great need for HOPE. And that I already have it.
P.S. I am married to an amazing follower of Christ, and we homeschool our five children.